(a) Inability of executive to perform duties.--The executive (mayor) shall designate any department head to act as executive (mayor) whenever the executive (mayor) shall be prevented, by absence from the municipality, disability or other cause, from attending to the duties of his office. During such time, the person so designated by the executive (mayor) shall possess all the rights, powers and duties of the executive (mayor). Whenever the executive (mayor) has been unable to attend to the duties of his office for a period of 60 consecutive days for any of the reasons stated in this subsection, a member of council shall be appointed by the council as acting executive (mayor), who shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the executive (mayor) or the then acting executive (mayor), until he shall return or his disability ceases.

(b) Establishment and exercise of functions of department.--The municipality may have a department of administration and shall have such other departments as council may establish by ordinance. All of the administrative functions, powers and duties of the municipality, other than those vested in the office of the clerk, treasurer, if elected, and controller, shall be assigned among and within the departments.

(c) Appointment and term of department heads and solicitor.--Each department shall be headed by a director who shall be appointed by the executive (mayor) with the advice and consent of the council. Each municipality shall also have a solicitor who shall be appointed by the executive (mayor) with the advice and consent of the council. Each department head and the solicitor shall serve during the term of office of the executive (mayor) appointing him and until the appointment and qualification of his successor. No member of municipal council shall head a department.

(d) Removal of department head.--The executive (mayor) may remove any department head after notice and an opportunity to be heard. Prior to removing a department head, the executive (mayor) shall first file written notice of his intention with the council. The removal shall become effective 20 days after the filing of the notice.

(e) Department officers and employees.--Department heads shall appoint subordinate officers and employees within their departments under procedures established in section 3122 (relating to appointment of subordinate officers and employees).

Cross References. Section 3013 is referred to in section 3031 of this title.